English Legal System Course Overview

Introduction to the English Legal System

• The presentation is titled "Introduction to the English Legal System."
• The presenter is Florence Thépot, and her email address is [email protected].
• The date of the presentation is September 12, 2024.
• The presentation includes introductory questions for the students, like their program, reasons for choosing the course, and any concerns about the course.
• The presentation covers practical course information, including objectives, bibliography, Moodle information, and exam details.
• The presentation includes an understanding of the basic principles of the English legal system and knowledge of the main sources of law and law-making processes.
• The presentation also includes knowledge of the courts' structure and the legal profession, and acquisition of language skills in legal English, and gaining an understanding of legal & political issues in the UK.

Rules of the game

• Breaks and diversity of media are facilitated.
• Opportunities for student interaction encouraged.
• Students are encouraged to ask questions.
• Lectures will use slides and discussions.
• Complementary text books.
• Students encouraged to cooperate.
• Email address: [email protected]

About Slides

• The slides contain basic information and visual support.
• Slides are incomplete.
• There is a link to a YouTube video on avoiding PowerPoint death.

About Moodle

• The presentation states the Moodle platform for course materials.
• The platform provides slides, a forum, and useful links and information.
• All course communication will be sent via Moodle.

About the Bibliography

• The presentation suggests two key books:
  • "The English Legal System" by Alisdair Gillespie & Siobhan Weare (Oxford University Press, 9th edition, 2023)
  • "Elliott & Quinn's English Legal System" (Pearson, 22nd edition, 2024).
• Both books are available in the university library.
• Links to library resources are provided.

About the Exam

• The exam format involves answering 2 out of 3 questions.
• The exam is a written exam.
• The exam will be in English.

Introduction to the Introduction

• The presentation covers an introduction to the topics of the English legal system.
• A presentation discussing why studying the English legal system, and what does it exactly mean.

Why studying English Legal System?

• Studying abroad is a factor due to the frequency of English in international business fields like finance, business law, and stock exchanges.
• English law is chosen frequently for international business dealings.
• English law has a great influence on other legal systems worldwide.
• A report from the World Bank annually ranks countries based on their legal systems and laws, often showing English law as a foundational model.

Information Meeting

• The meeting on studying abroad is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24th.
• The meeting location is Amphi Bischoff.

It's in the News...

• News items include a case of an individual being declared innocent after a legal error.
• Other news mentions political events, like an historical win for a particular political party in the UK.

It's on Screen

• The presentation references movies and TV series, such as My Lady, Witness for the Prosecution, and Silk.

For the First time in 2022

• Crown court sentencing remarks are to be televised for the first time.
• The change followed a campaign by BBC, ITN and Sky.
• Civil law cases will be live streamed.
• Links to relevant YouTube videos and court websites are provided.

Discussion

• The discussion topics include the meaning of "English" in relation to the English legal system.
• Consideration of 2 or 3 special characteristics of the English legal system.
• A second discussion concerning the definition of the English legal system.

English?

• Presentation explains the political and geographical significance of the term “English”.
• Includes a map illustrating the UK and its countries, which are England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• The term “English” in the expression can refer geographically to England, Great Britain, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
• Discusses English in the context of sport.
• The discussion will not cover the legal systems of the United Kingdom, Great Britain, or Northern Ireland. The presentation will focus on the legal systems of England and Wales.

Wales

• England and Wales share a legal system.
• Wales has its own Assembly that has powers to create laws.
• Using Welsh in courts is possible, but limited and determined by court cases.
• Henry VIII unified the legal systems of England and Wales.
• The Laws in Wales Acts (1535-1542) legally annexed Wales to England.
• Welsh is trying to build its own identity with its own laws. The Welsh language is becoming more present in legal courts.

Scotland

• Scotland has a separate legal system, merging with England in the 18th century to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
• Scotland also has its own Acts of Union (1707).
• Scots law is a blend of civil law and common law.
• Important differences exist between English and Scottish legal systems(including criminal law).
• Scotland has its own court system.
• The Scottish Parliament was re-created in 1998.

Northern Ireland

• Northern Ireland joined the United Kingdom in 1920.
• This area has a legislative competence within its own Assembly.
• If an Act of Parliament does not specify Northern Ireland, it only applies to England and Wales.
• The Northern Ireland Protocol, related to Brexit, is discussed.

B – Legal System

• The English legal system is a common-law-based system.
• It differs from the civil law system.
• Law originates from legal precedents set by past court rulings, in addition to legislation passed by Parliament.
• The importance of precedent in the English legal system.
• A review on how the common law emerged after the Norman Conquest, with changes made to the system through Henry II’s implementation.

Part 1-3

• The presentation outlines the structure of the course, which is split into three parts: Sources of Law, The Courts, and People in Courts.

This quiz covers key aspects of the English legal system course, including objectives, course materials, and the unique legal identity of Wales. Test your knowledge on the relationship between Wales and England's legal frameworks and the language skills required in legal English.